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Rising Stars Supported by Graham + Sibbald

Graham + Sibbald held a superb Rio Lunch on September 29 in the Merchant’s Hall in Edinburgh to announce their latest Rising Star.

Over the last few years the company has teamed up with Red Sky Management - who look after some of Scotland’s top sports stars - to work with up-and-coming young talent and help them on their way.

On the day 150 Graham + Sibbald staff and guests were present to hear from previous Rising Stars Craig Benson and Callum Skinner and new Rising Star Scott Meenagh.

Swimmer Craig reached the semi-finals of the 200m Breaststroke at the Rio Olympics recently, his second Games.

He first made a splash when he fought his way onto the British team for the London Olympics at just 18-years-old.

Craig said: “I was the first Rising Star athlete and Graham + Sibbald helped me a lot leading into the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

“Their help enabled me to move into a flat in Edinburgh right next to my training base and I’d like to thank them for everything they did for me.”

Cyclist Callum won gold in the men’s Team Sprint in his first Olympic appearance in Rio.

He narrowly missed out on the gold in the Individual Sprint to Jason Kenny, his team mate, at the same Games.

Callum said: “The Graham + Sibbald Rising Star programme has helped me a lot over the last couple of years because I have been living away from home in Manchester.

“The help it has given me has allowed me to focus fully on my cycling and to win medals at an Olympics still has not really sunk in.”

In 2011, Scott was serving in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and lost both his legs.

Scott refused to let misfortune hold him back and inspired by sport, driven by the memory of lost colleagues in November 2014 was invited to train full-time with GB Rowing in the run up to the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

He just missed out on selection for that event, but has appeared at two Invictus Games and has now re-focused on a new sport of cross country skiing.

Graham + Sibbald Senior Partner Iain Leighton said: “With Red Sky Management we formulated the Rising Star programme three years ago now to help young athletes along the way.

“We were delighted to help both Craig and Callum and the latest recipient Scott Meenagh is a very engaging and interesting character.

“As a company we have got a lot out of the Rising Star programme and our staff have loved hearing about the boys successes and what they have achieved.”

Graham + Sibbald Managing Partner Les McAndrew added: “Everybody needs a little bit of help along the way and if we can help these athletes achieve their dreams then that is brilliant.

“As a company we have strong values and we take great pride in watching these Rising Stars and hearing how they are getting on. They are also all great ambassadors.”